Establishes policies and rules for governing the System, plans to meet future state needs for collegiate education, sets admission standards and policies, reviews and approves university budgets, and establishes the regulatory framework within which the individual units are allowed to operate with as great a degree of autonomy as possible.

Provides independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value to, protect, and strengthen the management of the University of Wisconsin System and its colleges, universities, and extension.